One Of Ours

When One of Ours was published in 1922, many critics believed it glorified and romanticized war. Other critics dismissed this interpretation of the novel as overly narrow, citing the novel’s scenes that expose the struggles and hardships associated with World War I. Do you think that One of Ours irresponsibly glorifies war, or is there value to the sense of purpose Claude Wheeler gains from the war? 

Maps are used as a motif over the course of the novel, from Claude’s initial interest in the war (finding locations of cities mentioned in the newspaper) to his direct involvement in the war (using maps to plan battle strategies). How does Claude’s relationship with maps, places, and imagined locations change and evolve throughout One of Ours? Give at least three different examples of scenes involving maps.

How does the title of One of Ours gesture to Claude’s evolving sense of meaning, purpose, and belonging? Compare and contrast at least two different groups that might claim Claude as “one of ours” (such as his family in Nebraska, the Erlich family, the army, and the Joubert family). How does the meaning of the title change as Claude’s social environment and personal